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BFCC BLITZ Winter 2016
Jan/Feb 2016
Well as you can see you have a new copy of the Banter. As your Editor
I want to be able to give you the news you look forward to reading.
Would love to hear from you with all your brags and news,
announcements, reports, health information to share. I am open for
anything. Please forward all your information to me.
Heather Wippler
or call me at 905 665-9246
You can look forward to hearing from your Board, with their reports,
and any upcoming events. If you also have an upcoming event, please
share with us. This is your Banter/Blitz and I need your participation.
Of course you will hear about our glorious Bichons and of their
accomplishments throughout the year. You may have a companion
bichon to brag about and I would like to start a new section called
“Bichon Buddies” in hopes that this will encourage our Bichon
companion dog owners to publish their news, and invite them to join
the Bichon Frise Club of Canada. I have several “Incentive Ideas” I
would like to share. I am confident this “mentorship incentive” will lead
to participation of new members wanting to get involved in well-being
of our Bichon Frise. Their interest in our breed may lead to knowing
more about showing, obedience and breeding. We need to encourage
our young pet owners to come forward and get involved in all
sportsmanship of owning a Bichon Frise.
Your Banter will be published in PDF format. It will be placed on the
website for members to access. The Blitz will be available to the public
on the BFCC Website. If you need a printed copy there will be a charge
for this.
Thanks I hope you enjoy your Banter.
A RECENT SUCCESS
Congratulations: MBIS BISS
CAN-AM GCH Luvit
Dalnavert a Movado Sportivo
Number # 1 for 2015
New Champion:
Ch. Whitbred Ace of Heart at
Starlit.
Happy
Valentine’s Day
BFCC BLITZ Winter 2016
Winter 2016 Page 2
Membership Per Year Membership prices effective for 2016/17
Single: $30.00 Family: $35 Bichon Buddies: $20.00
Membership year runs from July 1st in the current year to June 30th of the following year. Memberships
outside of Canada must be paid in USD. Children age 18 or over must apply for individual memberships.
Bichon Buddy memberships are for our companion bichon owners. (explanation page 21) For membership
information and application requests, please contact.
Marilyn Torrance, BFCC Secretary
3027 Vaughan Side Road
Carp. On KOA 1L0
Email: [email protected]
Website:
The Bichon Frise Club of Canada Website can be found at:
http://www.bichonfriseclubofcanada.com
For referrals or club information, email: [email protected]
Facebook:
Please join us on Facebook, (for members only)
“BFCC Canada”
The Bichon Banter
The Banter is complimentary to club members. Subscriptions are available to Non-members at $40.00 per
year. All advertising, articles, letters, pictures, ads should be submitted to:
Heather Wippler
905 665-9246
Cheques for ads made payable to the BFCC, may be sent directly to the Treasurer Bernice Lucas, she can
be reached by email at: [email protected]
The Bichon Banter is the official publication of the Bichon Frise Club of Canada Inc. The editors reserve the
right to edit, accept, or modify, reject any or all submitted material at their discretion. The BFCC disclaims all
responsibility for the opinions of the authors expressed in by-line articles.
Banter Advertising Rates:
Front Cover $45.00 Back Cover $45.00 Inside Front or Back $35.00
Single Full Page (1 photo) $30.00 Two Page Spread (SXS) 50.00 Half Page (1 photo) $20.00
Quarter Page (1 photo) $10.00 Bulletin Board Ads, announcements, for sale, etc. birthdays) $10.00
Winter 2016 Page 3
Bichon Frise Club of Canada Executive Working for the Betterment of Our Breed
President Ken Chizick
Winnipeg, Manitoba Email:[email protected]
Director: Dale Hunter Victoria, BC
Email:[email protected]
Vice President: Kendra James
Calgary, Alberta Email: [email protected]
Director: Bob Yocom
Espanola, Ontario Email:[email protected]
Treasurer:
Bernice Lucas Vermette, Manitoba
Email: [email protected]
Director: Sharyn Lucas
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Email: [email protected]
Secretary:
Marilyn Torrance Carp, Ontario
Email: [email protected]
Director: Julia Dickinson
Emerald Park, Sask Email: [email protected]
Past President:
Tracey Cooke Moose Jaw, Sask
Email: [email protected]
Life Member: Helen Kasper
Edmonton, Alberta
Committees Archives: Kendra James [email protected]
BFCC Awards: Sandra Greenway [email protected]
Friendship: Bernice Lucas [email protected]
BFCC Banter: Heather Wippler [email protected]
Winter 2016 Page 4
P
As the past year 2015 is now behind us, it has been fun to start seeing some of the hard work many members have put into the club. Our major challenge for 2016 will be to focus on developing a plan to help attract new members to the club by continuing to add value to the BFCC membership. As a small club I believe its key to our continued commitment to our little friends. I am also happy to report your Board has made substantial progress. By completing the club’s bylaws, code of ethics and the publication adjustments we have made to the club’s website. I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction and before going too much further, I wish to thank each member for their efforts over the past year and their contributions to make it a better experience for all.
Vice President Kendra James
Treasurer Bernice Lucas
Secretary Marilyn Torrance
Past President Tracey Cook
Regional Directors
Julia Dickinson
Dale Hunter
Bob Yocom
Sharyn Lucas
Web Controller Brian Lucas
Health & Safety Stephanie Toom
Performance /Agility Roz Northey
Therapy & Companion
Membership Support Dena Monson
Facebook Admin Bev Busse
Awards Sandy Greenway
Kendra James Archives
Heather Wippler Bichon Banter Editor, Bichon Blitz Editor
As you are aware, behind the scenes there is a lot that must be done to operate our club. We have been working hard to improve our administrative functions over the last two years and while there is still work to be done, the progress has been steady. Innovation is critical and when we have only a small amount of funds. The move to more digital and email will most certainly help. In closing, I would like all BFCC members to know there are many other irons in the fire and ideas on the table that we will continue to pursue and communicate to you. I thank you for your continued support and as always, I welcome any suggestions and constructive feedback that would make our BFCC club even stronger - my email is [email protected]
Winter 2016 Page 5
So proud of this girl in a few short months she is 3 points away from her Grand Championship, but is on
maternity leave at this time. Farrah is out of Ch. Petit Ami’s U’ Can’t Touch This, and Ch. Starlit’s Miley. Shown
to her Championship by Jennifer Carr and her Grand by Amanda Wippler.
Winter 2016 Page 6
Bichon Frise Ratings for the Year as per “Canuck Dogs” 2015 Ranking Bichon Frise Points
1 G. Ch. Luvit Dalnavert A Movado Sportivo (M) Robbie 1540
2 G. Ch. PaRay’s Molto Particulare (M) Armani 1480
3 Ch. Aldo Everreddy (M) Eddie 226
4 Ch. Absolutely Agape Heartthrob (M) 138
5 Ch. Heights Morse Code (M) 131
6 Ch. Campion’s Cartier At Madan (M) Cartier 81
7 Ch. Starlit’s Secret Affair (F) Farrah 61
8 Ch. Absolutely Affinity Tootsie Pop (F) 33
9 Purejoy’s Hey Sole Sister (F) 18
10 Ch. Purejoy’s Sonata Allegra (F) 18
Puppies 1 Ch. Whitebred’s Ace of Hearts for Starlit (M) 60
2 Jumelle Einar at Danmar (M) 30
3 Ch. Starlit’s Secret Affair (F) 20
4 Purejoy’s Hey Sole Sister 10
4 Absolutely Agape Hannah Bobanna Fee Fi Fo Fannah (F) 10
4 Ch. Ame Jumelle Eluney At Danmar (F) 10
Obedience and Rally
1 Ch. OTCh. Suvan’s So I’m The One 189.69 av score (37pts)
Well done and congratulations to these top Bichons and their owner/handlers. I had the pleasure of watching
our two top Bichons compete and they were stunningly presented. It was a thrill to be sitting at ringside
cheering them on. How wonderful we have an Obedience Bichon listed. Congratulations to Roz Northey.
Included in this issue is a list of the BFCC Awards that you can apply for in 2015.
My babies for ever Zoey& Beck fromKen Chizick
Winter 2016 Page 7
Bichon Frise of Canada Inc. Awards for 2015
Awards
To be eligible for any club awards an individual must be a member in good standing of the Bichon Frise Club of Canada as of January 1 of
the awards year. The awards year runs from January 1 to December 31.
The dog which the award is applied for must be either owned or co-owned by the BFCC member. All awards must be applied for by the
owner. All wins and titles must be published in Dogs In Canada and will be verified.
The annual closing date for applying for the 2015 Annual Awards is August 1, 2015. Please forward complete details to Sandra Greenway,
#3 – 54023 Ranger Road 280, Spruce Grove, Alberta T7X 3V4 with a copy to the clubs Secretary Marilyn Torrance.
BICHON FRISE OF THE YEAR
To the Bichon Frise defeating the greatest number of dogs at the Breed, Group and Best in Show levels, calculated on the basis of one point
for each dog defeated. As reported by The Canadian Kennel Club.
OWNER-HANDLED BICHON FRISE OF THE YEAR
Same as above All wins MUST occur with the owner handling.
BEST OPPOSITE SEX BICHON FRISE OF THE YEAR
The Bichon Frise of the opposite sex to the Dog of the Year using the same method as Dog of the Year.
SIRE OF THE YEAR
For the dog siring the greatest number of Bichon Frise awarded CKC Championship titles during the awards year.
DAM OF THE YEAR
For the bitch producing the greatest number of Bichon Frise awarded CKC Championship titles during the awards year.
OBEDIENCE DOG OF THE YEAR
Highest scoring Bichon Frise at any licensed CKC Championship Trial during the awards year. Send your score with the name and date of
the trial.
REGISTER OF MERIT AWARD (ROM)
The BFCC Register of Merit is awarded to a Sire of seven (7) or more Canadian Champions or to a Dam of five (5) or more Canadian
Champions as confirmed by Dogs in Canada.
Parchments will be presented each year.
REGISTER OF MERIT EXCELLENT AWARD (ROMX)
The BFCC Register of Merit Excellent is awarded to a Sire of Fifteen (15) or more Canadian Champions or to a Dam of ten (10) or more
Canadian Champions and confirmed by Dogs in Canada. The progeny of the Sire or Dam need not be owned by a club member but the Sire
or Dam must be. The owner must apply for this award by sending details to the ROM/ROMX chairman including full registered name of the
Sire of Dam. Full registered names of champions produced and dates this information was published in Dogs in Canada.
Awards, plagues and or certificate will be presented as per the club’s bylaws.
VERSATILITY AWARD
Please contact Awards chair for the details.
The awards criteria are currently under review.
Winter 2016 Page 8
How PUREJOY BICHONS got started, by Kathy Martin.
In 2005, I purchased a Bichon from Kim Campbell of Coastwatcher Bichons. Bailey was supposed to come to my family as a pet to be company for my son who has special needs. I'd not had a dog before and everything was new to me. Kim recommended I go see Bev Busse of Heaven's Bichons to get my boy groomed. So I went and asked Bev if it was alright if I watched the grooming process so I could learn to do it myself. I listened to her comments about “black,black pigment” and wondered what sort of language this was. Bailey had an appointment to be neutered the next day. Bev kindly informed me that I “could not neuter my dog and that he was too good to be neutered”. She volunteered to show him...or she said, I “could go to handling class and learn to do it myself”. I had no idea what she was talking about but it sounded interesting, so I decided to give handling class a try. I had never seen a dog show before but it wasn't long before I was hooked. I finished my first Canadian Champion “Coastwatcher A Good Friend”, and hung the first Champion picture on my wall. 10 years later and I've finished 5 Canadian Champions, 1 Canadian Grand Champion and 2 American Champions. I have learned the whelping process and taken care of 5 litters of puppies. I am slowly growing in my ability to do a show groom. Practice makes perfect so they say and I practice regularly. It's a good thing that I have an eye for a circle. I'm still learning and want to increase my skill in this area. I am so thankful to my mentors on the West Coast, across the country and in the US. I've made some fabulous lifelong friends. I have had many mentors...too many to mention for fear I will miss some of you out. What fun we have had discussing Bichons and talking about the next breeding we will have. I have 5 more years before retirement and Bev Busse has helped me tremendously by housing 1 of my dogs and venturing into co-owning our new puppy from Pauline John's in England. This year I will go to the American Nationals for the first time. As many of you know...there is no end in sight!!!
This is Joy’s Canadian Grand Champion Picture. Can Gr. CH Purejoy’s Sonata Allego
Am CH Victoire McNelson’s Beau Jangles Gemstone X Can/Am/Int CH Shyladawn Embraceable You Purejoy.
Winter 2016 Page 9
Winter 2016 Page 10
Purejoy’s Hey Sole Sister
Am. Can. Ch. Fluffette Encore at
Kenningway X Am. Can Int. Ch.
Shyladawn Embraceable You Purejoy.
Joy took Best of Winners this day for a 5 point major towards her AM Championship the weekend of the Puyallup Specialty June
2015
Winter 2016 Page 11
Junior Generation……..
All he wanted was to try what mom does on the weekend! Say hello Brehdyn Cybulsky who is 6 years old and an up and coming Jr Handler of Bichons! At Pee Wee it’s all about getting in the ring going around and having a fun experience. That ribbon and dog toy are a huge deal to a child. Brehdyn is pictured below showing “ Tony” BIS CAN GCH EX. AM CH Luvit’s A Rolex Daytona At Dalnavert CGN AOM In 2012 Tony was the #2 Bichon in Canada When Brehdyn is ready mom will have him help her in the ring when she shows “Robbie” and other bichons. He also hopes when his sister is old enough that she too will take after mom cause dad learned too! Showing dogs will be a family affair! Mom & Dad: Carolyne & Tyler Cybulsky Sister: Brooke Grandparents: Bernice & Brian Lucas
Winter 2016 Page 12
The Commercial Dog Food Controversy
How many times have you researched this issue? I think as dog owners who care we have researched this topic to
death. I thought this would be a good topic to include in our first issue for 2016, but as I go deeper into the topic I
start developing doubts on what I believed to be the right feeding program for my Bichons. Oh my gosh what am I
doing to my dogs? I love the idea of raw, but my vet does not support it. I do listen to him, but not so much with
regards to food. He has the vet view, and you know what that is like, he is not a food expert. I do have an amazing
raw expert in my area, but here is the drawback for me. I have to store it, therefore, I will have to buy another freezer
because mine is full. Another thing is I go to my cottage all summer and have to keep enough on hand or get hubby
to go pick it up for me. Plus, all the dogs have to be individually fed or the food hogs will steal food from those who
don’t mind. So basically, with several dogs you have be a food monitor. You cannot recommend raw to puppy
people. You never know if they are dealing with a person who is knowledgeable in raw feeding, or they will do it
properly. So you must recommend a good kibble the pups will thrive on. So now let’s recommend a good quality
holistic blend that is grain free. So while researching some good articles for you I came across one about grains and
how important they are to a dog’s diet. Oh my gosh I believed grains were bad? What to do. What to do. I thought
my dogs looked healthy, but they are eating grain free food. So, I will share some of this information with you in
hopes that in future issues you will share with us your recommendations and the experiences of your food related
crimes or advantages.
Can you trust your veterinarian for advice about which food to feed your dog? Unfortunately, vets are often placed in
a compromising position because they are not necessarily experts on dog nutrition because many veterinary colleges
list animal nutrition as optional course. Also, some vets make a profit from selling commercial pet foods themselves.
Often, the relationship between dog food companies and veterinarians is more about business than about pet health.
In the light of recent dog food recalls many are asking what is the best diet for their dogs. This is a relatively new
problem that has been developing for the past years or so. Before that, dogs lived fairly healthy lives for thousands of
years by eating the scraps and leftovers from their owner’s dinner tables. It is now argued that many of the problems
found in our dogs these days are a result of the commercial dog foods that consist of poor quality meats,
preservatives, and other harmful ingredients that dogs have not evolved the ability to digest. These same people
point out that commercial dog foods also lack nutritional sufficiency.
Another potential difficulty with commercial pet food is the pesticides, molds and antibiotics that can be found in the
ingredients. In the 1990s there were 2 major dog food recalls of dry dog food by manufacturers because of fungal
toxins that were contained within the grain used as a main ingredient. The second of the 2 contaminations resulted in
the death of more than 20 dogs. In 2007, commercial dog food manufacturers recalled over 140 brands of dog food
across the country because of Melamine contamination. This contamination resulted in literally thousands of reports
of dogs and cats suffering kidney failure and death after ingesting these products.
Food manufacturing attempt to maintain a quality product, but the loopholes that currently exist are enormous (I
guess because dogs don’t have any money to start a lobby group). One example of this is the fact that some
commercial dog food companies are permitted to label their products as “No Preservatives Added.” But what they
don’t tell you is that these companies get the meat and meat by-products from slaughterhouses and other sources
that add preservatives before they ship their ingredients to the manufacturers. However, since the dog food
manufactures don’t actually add any preservatives themselves, they’re allowed to use this misleading label. Some
have pointed out that several dog manufactures use a wide range of diseased, dead or dying animals in their dog
food mix. Other websites have pointed out that their investigations show that you will even find recently
Winter 2016 Page 13
euthanized dogs and cats in some of the cheaper dog food products. Also, most of the so-called nutrition that may
have been present is often destroyed by the cooking processes itself.
Is it any wonder why so many caring dog owners have started using homemade recipes to make their own dog food.
Reprinted from Website: http://homemadedogfood.com/
Homemade dog food can be the most nutritious food you can feed your dog. The best dog food you make
right in your kitchen. All the homemade dog food ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store.
The homemade dog food recipes are easy to follow and simple to make. Most importantly your dog will thrive
on these homemade dog food recipes and love the way they taste.
I believe dogs are designed to digest raw meat and bones the best. So I present raw homemade dog food
recipes throughout this website as the best dog food for your dog. That said, I know many of you just can’t bring
yourself to feed your dog a homemade dog food that contains raw meat. So I also present cooked homemade
dog food recipes that are healthy and nutritious. I believe these homemade dog food recipes are still vastly
superior to commercial kibble. Your dog will too!
FAQ About Homemade Dog Food
Question: Some of your homemade dog food recipes contain raw ground beef and chicken Is it safe to feed
these items to my dog? What about the bacteria in the homemade dog food recipe?
Answer: Yes, it is safe to feed these ingredients to your dog. Dogs are carnivores and scavengers by nature.
Dogs have a short digestive tract with strong stomach acids that protect them from getting sick from bacteria on
food. This is how a dog can eat garbage and not become deathly ill.
Question: I’ve also heard they feed cattle antibiotics and other things aren’t these bad for my dog?
Answer: Maybe. I think of it this way. The food in your grocery store is considered fit for human consumption.
The ingredients in dog food are considered NOT fit for human consumption! What ingredient do you think are
better to include in a homemade dog food recipe?
Question: I notice you don’t use vegetables in your homemade dog food can I add them?
Answer: Like I said earlier, dogs are carnivores and have a short digestive tract. A dog’s short digestive tract is
ill equipped to digest vegetables and receive their nutrients. So most just pass through as roughage. If you are
determined to feed vegetables, they need to be “predigested” so to speak. Cook and pulverize them to simulate
them going through the digestive tract of a herbivore. Then add them to the homemade dog food.
Question: Why do you include white rice in your homemade dog food? Isn’t brown rice better?
Answer: Remember dogs have a short digestive tract. A dog’s short digestive tract does not effectively digest
brown rice. The vast majority of any nutritional benefit to your dog just passes through undigested. White rice is
better because it is easily digest by dogs. Brown rice is great for humans because we are omnivores with a long
digestive tract. A human’s long digestive tract digests the brown rice and unlocks the nutritional benefits.
Winter 2016 Page 14
Reprinted from Dog Food In Canada- http://www.euromonitor.com/dog-food-in-canada/report
TRENDS
Based on provisional estimates, dog food volume sales in Canada will grow by 2% while value sales will advance by 4% in 2015. Although the dog population has been stagnant, the dog food category has grown steadily as pet owners are paying more attention to their dogs. Despite the slow economic recovery, consumers have invested more in premium products as the health and wellness trend has maintained its momentum. Enriched and fortified products, as well as high-quality protein ingredients, continue to be used by manufacturers as a way of differentiating their products by virtue of their respective nutritional benefits. The use of natural ingredients is another way that manufacturers are responding to the ongoing pet humanization trends. Products of this nature are specialized and premium-positioned and are sold predominantly through pet shops and pet superstores, where more tailored and specialized advice can be provided to customers by staff.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In Canada, the dog food category is mature and concentrated and is mainly dominated by three leading manufacturers – Nestlé Purina Pet Care Co, Mars Canada Inc. and DLM Foods Canada Corp – which together accounted for a 64% retail value share in 2014. Nestlé Purina Pet Care Co remained in the lead with a 28% value share, followed by Mars Canada Inc. (24%) and DLM Foods Canada Corp (12%). However, niche players are working vigorously to gain share, especially at the premium end. They are filling gaps in the product portfolios of the major players with a focus on diverse, nutrition-added dog food. They are offering clients more options and targeting consumers with specific food requirements.
PROSPECTS
Total dog food sales are expected to achieve a value CAGR of 2% at constant 2015 prices over the forecast period, and reach C$1.3 billion in 2020; while volume sales are expected to record a 1% CAGR. Volume growth will be constrained by the dog population in Canada, which is expected to see slight declines over the forecast period. Volume sales are also expected to follow pet ownership dynamics and compositional trends, and will decelerate in line with the growth rate in the ownership of smaller dogs because of their lower caloric intake. The lack of growth in the dog population will be because of the ageing human population, urbanization and saturation in Canada. In this increasingly challenging environment, addressing the needs of urban pets with respect to nutrition and health (such as sports and weight management), as well as services, could help to offset the dog population decline and low volume sales growth.
Dog Food Advisor Link: http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/brand/
Here you will find brands of premade dog food, evaluations and any recall reports. Good place to check the
food you are using or research other foods.
Changing Foods
Reprinted from Dog Food Analysis, here is another point of view from: http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/
Change your dog’s food
Once you have selected a good quality dog food, that’s all you need to feed, right? Not really. You should vary
your dog’s food periodically. There are many good reasons for this:
Dogs (actually all mammals) are designed to consume a range of different foods, and to obtain differing
Winter 2016 Page 15
vitamins and minerals from each. They are not designed to eat “only chicken” or “only lamb” or any other food
item for eternity. Changing foods, importantly the contents of those foods, every so often helps to give them the
variety their bodies were designed to thrive on.
There is no one dog food in existence that “has it all”. And remember, the feeding trials that foods go through
only last for six months (and not all foods are even trialled). Changing foods periodically helps to ensure that no
dietary deficiencies or excesses build up over time.
Variety is the spice of life. Who wants to eat the same food day in and day out? Could you do it? For months or
years? Feeding your dog something different helps to ensure that he does not become bored and frustrated
with his food. This will not make your dog picky - we are talking about periodic changes here, not serving up
something different or adding goodies to tempt him every time he doesn’t like his dinner.
And most importantly of all:
It helps to avoid the development of allergies. In a few extreme cases, you (or your dog) may be instantly and
violently allergic to something. But that is a few extreme cases only - the vast majority of allergies are things
that build up over time and with constant exposure. The surest way to develop an allergy to chicken, for
example, is to consume it daily for an extended period. It is no coincidence that the most common allergens are
things that have commonly been used in dog foods for many years. The (modern) advice given by nutritionists
is that feeding a wide variety of different foods, preferably from a young age, can help to avoid the development
of allergies in the first place (that's the advice given for humans too).
Common signs of allergies are itchy skin, red itchy paws, chewing paws, yeast infections, ear infections, and
skin infections that may respond to antibiotics but reappear as soon as the antibiotics are discontinued.
That all adds up to changing the food you feed every once in a while. That means changing to a food with
different main ingredients. There is very little benefit to switching from one chicken/rice food to another, for
example. If you have been feeding a food with chicken as the main ingredient, then it is far better that the next
food is based on lamb, or turkey, or fish, or beef, etc. and that the other main ingredients are also varied.
What Is Grain Free Pet Food, Really?
Reprinted from Pet MD: http://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition
By Lorie Huston, DVM
Grain free pet foods are currently very popular. But are they really healthier for your pet than other types of pet
foods? Let’s take a closer look at that question.
Winter 2016 Page 16
While it is true that many pets do well on grain free diets, it is also true that these diets were developed more in
response to consumer (i.e., human) preference than to the actual nutritional needs of our pets.
Nutritionally, the most important aspect of a pet food is whether the food provides complete and balanced
nutrition. If the food contains excesses or deficiencies of specific nutrients, the pet will suffer as a result. This
concept is true regardless of whether the food contains grains or not.
Each ingredient in the diet provides a unique set of nutrients to the overall makeup of the food. Together, the
ingredients need to combine to provide a complete nutrient profile for your pet, without any excesses or
deficiencies that can cause illness for your pet. It is certainly possible for grain free diets to provide this type of
complete nutrition for your pet. However, these diets are not the only option, or even necessarily the best
option, for each individual pet. There is no one diet or type of diet that is perfect for all pets. In other words, no
pet food is a one-size-fits-all nutritional solution.
DOES GRAIN FREE MEAN CARB FREE?
Another popular feeding concept that often seems to go hand in hand with feeding grain free pet food is the
feeding of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. High protein, low carbohydrate diets do have their place,
particularly in the feeding of diabetic cats. However, it is important not to assume that a grain free diet is a low
carbohydrate diet. In fact, some grain free pet foods contain carbohydrate levels similar to or even higher than
diets containing grains. In many grain free diets, ingredients such as potatoes replace the grains in the food and
often these ingredients have more carbohydrates than the common grains used in pet food. As a result, grain
free and low carbohydrate pet foods are not always synonymous with one another.
IS GRAIN FREE PET FOOD MORE 'NATURAL'?
Proponents of grain free diets sometimes claim that grains are an unnatural source of nutrition for our pets.
They argue that ancestors of our current-day dogs and cats did not eat grains. However, it could be argued that
potatoes and other forms of carbohydrates are no more “natural” for our pets than are grains. Fortunately, our
pets (dogs and cats alike) have evolved to be able to digest grains as well as many other sources of
carbohydrates (including potatoes).
WHAT ABOUT CAT AND DOG FOOD ALLERGIES?
Another popular misconception that many pet owners fall victim to is the assumption that grain free diets are the
best diets for pets with food allergies. While food allergies do occur in pets, corn and other grains are not
among the most common allergens found in foods. In fact, according to some of the available research, corn is
actually one of the least likely sources of food allergy. In one literature review1, 278 dogs with food allergy were
evaluated and the problem ingredient was clearly identified for each dog. Beef was the most common allergen,
being responsible for 95 of the cases reported. Dairy was responsible for 55 cases, making it the second most
frequent cause. Corn was identified as the offender in only 7 cases. In cats, the situation is similar. Fifty-six cats
Winter 2016 Page 17
were evaluated in this study2. Forty-five of the food allergies resulted from eating beef, dairy, and/or fish. Corn,
meanwhile, was responsible for only 4 cases.Feeding a grain free diet is a legitimate option for your pet.
However, feeding a grain free diet still requires choosing a diet that includes complete and balanced nutrition for
your pet. Choose ingredients with which you, as a pet owner, are comfortable. But remember that in the long
run, it is the nutrient profile that is important, not the individual ingredients in the pet food.
Also please read this Article and Study: “The Best Dog Food”, by Reviews.com. Very good article.
http://www.reviews.com/dog-food/
Final Notes: So as you can see a person can certainly bounce back and forth with regards to canine nutrition.
If you have any expertise on the subject or would like to share your idea’s on the subject, we would really
appreciate hearing from you. Along with nutritional requirements, I think some more important questions asked
are how to keep the bichon from staining, how to prevent allergies. So let’s share, send me what you like to
share and let us all in on your secrets. What food products are you using, or additives and why. Do you like raw
or prepared dog food. Maybe share your formula’s for the perfect food. Would love to hear from our members.
Winter 2016 Page 18
Announcing our New Champion “Ch. Whitebred’s Ace of Hearts for Starlit”
This puppy has been a dream to show. What a personality. He is 10 months old. Congratulations to my son
Mackenzie and to Ace for the wonderful job they did as a team. Ace has been expertly handled and trained by
Mackenzie Wippler and thanks to Karen Graeber for such a wonderful boy. Cannot wait to see what Ace
accomplishes in future.
Winter 2016 Page 19
Welcome to Bichon Buddies:
Bichon Buddies is a special membership for our companion bichon owners, pet owners who would like to join
the Bichon Frise Club of Canada and show off their companions. Bichon Buddy members must be
recommended by BFCC Club Ordinary member, and own or are planning to own a purebred Bichon Frise.
This section will be their area to place ads and brag about their companion bichons and to share with
everyone how amazingly talented their bichons are. Hopefully, our members will recommend their
companion owners for membership so this can grow. This is an incentive to reach out to our Bichon owners
who may want to get more involved in activities within our club. A place to learn together. This may also lead
to interests such as conformation, obedience, agility, rally and all the other wonderful activities that Bichons
are good at. You as members and breeders may want to brag about your adopted/placed puppies and
welcome these new members to participate in everything we love about bichons. It is a way to encourage
new member participation and interest with regards to the well-being and future of our bichon breed. Bichons
have many talents as models, hikers, comedians, campers, marathon walkers, boating, therapy dogs and
couch potato, to name a few. Great place for newbies to learn about our beloved breed and develop new
interests. This could lead to group activities and competitions for our buddies. There may be juniors out there
that have no idea how to get started in showing dogs, or how to obedience train. So please encourage your
Bichon Buddies to become a new member and let’s share bichons together.
Membership for Bichon Buddy, is $20.00 yearly, must fill out application and be recommended by an
Ordinary Club Member. They will be applying for a “Associate B” membership. They will have no voting
privileges. If a Bichon Buddy would like to become an regular Associate member, then they would apply for
that membership as per BFCC by laws.
Next Banter I will announce new members and Bichon Buddy memberships and we will start this section with
a Buddy Ad. Bichon Buddy membership will be classified as an Associate B, membership (AB).
(Bichon Buddy’s is based on a one-year trial, if successful and acceptable, the by laws
will be amended to include this membership category at our next General Annual meeting.)
A membership application is included with this issue. Please use it to invite your Buddies to come join us and
encourage them to place their ads and brags in the Banter. It’s time our puppies have their own place to
shine.
Winter 2016 Page 20
Happy Birthday
Norma Dirszowsky
Bulletin Board
Welcome New
Member
Jacaqueline Gravelle
Winter 2016 Page 21
BFCC MEMBERS FROM THE USA:
Am / Can. CH Luvit’s Dalnavert Olympic Omegamania “Gracie”.
Owned by BFCC members: Jill Sanfilippo, Linda Ross , Bernice and Brian Lucas
Gracie competed in two forms of agility competitions during 2015: CPE Agility with 3 first place qualifying and one qualifying and Highest in trail UKC Agility: received her AGI title this year, also was Highest in Trial, with all first place qualifying ribbons, and is working toward AGII title so far with 4 first place wins.
Michaela, Gracie’s handler, is 16 years old. She has
trained Gracie since she was a puppy. Michaela has
been a junior handler since age 10 and has put many
agility titles on my other 2 bichons in AKC, UKC and
CPE including a TACH Title in TDAA (Teacup Agility
Association) on my bichon Luvit’s Zippity Do Da.
CPE: Canine Performance Events UKC: United
Kennel Club TDAA: Teacup Agility Association TACH:
Teacup Agile Dog Champion
AKC: American Kennel Club
Winter 2016 Page 22
The Harsh Truth About Why Our Sport Is Dying January 28, 2016 Uncategorized – Reprinted with permission
By: Drew Deaton
Recently I have read several very well written articles on the “fall” of Dog Shows as a sport. The reasons
targeted in these articles were all correct, they are all problems that do reside in our sport and it certainly would
be nice to see them eliminated. However, are they the true reason our sport is dying? No. Now you are
probably wondering by now what my credentials are to be so brilliantly informed that I could diagnose the
problem that is killing our favorite past-time, our sport, for some of us- our livelihood. Well as much as I hate to
disappoint I am somewhat of a “newbie” to the sport. I am only 20 years old and have been showing for less
than two years. I did not participate in Juniors, I hold no degree related to dogs at all, and no one in my family
but myself has ever even seen a dog show. I am so new that you could almost call me an outsider…and this
makes me the perfect person to tell you why it is so difficult to love this sport as much as I do.
Our sport is dying, stop attaching all of these excuses about the frequencies of shows and entry fees are too
high for this and too much for that…though you are not incorrect…that is not the reason our sport is dying. Hear
me carefully for this is not a metaphor…our sport, meaning its athletes, supporters, and donors are literally
dying. I am talking about physical and spiritual death. The great breeders, the famous handlers, those who grew
up with their family showing dogs…they are dying! Dog Showing once thrived in generations that were not this
one… now that we are in this generation all of the old generations are slowly, literally dying. Our sport is not
dying because it is simply a rich man’s sport…that is a lie, this is a sport than can be played in a financially
smart way. No, our sport is dying because it’s people are dying. Ok- so how do we save it?
Obviously, there is no way for us to stop time from running its course…that is just beyond our control. So in
anything, how is one generation replaced once they are gone? With a NEW GENERATION. “Oh but we offer
Junior Handling at shows to reel the kids in!”…NO. Everyone reading this knows as well as I do that kids can’t
just walk in with their dog and say “Hey, I think I want to try this! Sign me up mom!”… not even close. Juniors is
a wonderful thing but if you really pay attention it is mostly children of parents who breed, show, or are even
professional handlers themselves. Though they are young, that is not the new blood we need to target. We
want to expand, we want to grow!
Now, if no one has ever told you, let me be the first. The veterans of this sport make it INCREDIBLY difficult for
us newcomers to love this sport. Myself, I am only still around because I tend to ignore the way people treat
me… not everyone is like that, especially not in my generation. If you do not know my generation well, we are
extremely over-sensitive and we are offended by EVERYTHING. That is why it takes about 10 minutes for a
newcomer of my generation to get ticked off at a dog show. I have tried to bring family members and friends
that have never even experienced anything like a dog show along with me and they leave HATING it. Let me
Winter 2016 Page 23
tell you why, I don’t have all the answers but I guarantee you that with just a little thought, the more experienced
folks may be able to figure the solutions out.
When I started showing I was merely helping out a friend of mine in Chinese Cresteds who was generously
donating his time to teach me the basics. We were at a show one day, it wasn’t my very first show but it was of
the first five, I was handling a small and timid Chihuahua client dog of his while he was in another ring. I waited
very patiently right by the steward’s table with the number “9” wrapped around my left arm. I could not move
away from her table because I was so nervous that I would miss my ring-time if I left. So I waited, finally my
class came up but I did not really have a full enough understanding of the class system to know that was my
class. As it turns out, the steward had called my number and she was an older lady with a gentle tone, I had
mistaken her calling out the number “5” but she was actually calling my number, “9”. She called for a second
time and I then realized my mistake and rushed in the ring, my nerves had tripled. As I fell in line to stack my
little Chihuahua, a VERY well known handler in front of me turned around and remarked “How many times were
you going to make her shout your number before you finally came in? Some of us have other dogs to show.”… I
was appalled that someone would make such a remark to someone so obviously new, just because the steward
had to call my number twice. The judge finally directed us to go around the ring. I stood up and looked down but
the already timid dog that I was handling had all but curled into a ball and was immobile. He could tell that my
nerves was completely shot. I tried my best to pep him up and and eventually we made it around the ring. After
the class was finished, as I was walking out the Judge grabbed my elbow and stopped me… “Don’t you let
these old women walk all over you” She said with a very tender smile. That judge is the only reason I ever set
foot in the ring again. So this paragraph is for the handlers…what could you do differently to help a newcomer
OR what could you be doing that might be turning away newcomers unintentionally?
To the breeders… Fortunately for my mentor in my own breed, this has not yet happened to me however I have
seen it many times. “We all had our first dog” So many veterans have said to me or to friends of mine that are
starting out. A friend of mine called a supposedly reputable breeder to obtain a show quality French Bulldog
from her. They talked for months and went through the reference process, the interview process and finally this
breeder agreed to sell my friend a puppy. I took my friend to shows and we met a few “Frenchie” folks and
observed their handling and their grooming. One very kind handler even showed us a few of his grooming
tricks. She finally got her puppy and started showing him. She showed him well! She gaited him beautifully and
had taught him to hold a stack very well- but she never won. Months later while at a show we ran into the same
handler that had showed us the grooming tricks and we asked him “Why is this puppy not winning anything?”
That handler whipped out his phone and pulled up the Frenchie standard and explained in exquisite detail as to
why the puppy was essentially a conformation train wreck. My poor friend had no idea, nor did she have a
mentor to help her so the breeder sold her a puppy for a show quality price that was deeply pet quality. I can
understand if you chose not to sell the absolute best puppy in the litter to a newcomer, but giving them the
worst of the litter just because they are new…Does that seem right? That friend has never set foot on a show
site again and lives quietly with her PET frenchie, Rosco.
Winter 2016 Page 24
Now to the know-it-all, whether you are a vendor, breeder, handler, or even spectator. I will never forget first
time I asked my mother to tag along to the dog show with me. My mother was holding one of my dogs ringside
while I was competing in the ring at an outdoor show. The dog my mother was holding had a bowel movement
while she was watching me, she had no idea that the dog had used the bathroom behind her. Suddenly, a
ferocious vendor comes trampling between the rings and throws a “poop-bag” at my mother and shouts “It is
people like you that ruin it for all of us!”. IF I am somehow able to convince my mother to come back to a show,
she sits ringside and she does not move. She will not hold a dog for me and she will not walk around. She goes
straight from the car to the ring and back again while hating every minute of it. So tell me, if you were a
newcomer or a paying spectator who just spent $20 just to park your car…would you come back?
To the owner-handlers (this is my category)… I am going to be bold with you because I have so much respect
for you and love you dearly. STOP TELLING EVERYONE THAT IF THEY ARE NOT PAYING $1,000 PER
SHOW TO HAVE THEIR DOG HANDLED PROFESSIONALLY THEN THEIR DOG WILL NEVER FINISH. If
someone asks me “when are you putting her with a handler” again, I might just scream this at them. I have a
shocking news update for the show world… some owners have finished their own dogs before. Yes it is true,
there are some judges who do play favorites in the ring and put up their friends…don’t enter under those judges
again and your problems are solved! An owner CAN finish their dog and an owner CAN be a great handler of
their own dogs! Professional Handlers do win a large amount of the time, but has anyone stopped to think that it
is because they are professionals and this is their lively-hood? The very definition of professional implies that
they have the talent or skills to display a dog more professionally than a non-professional. Do not spread lies to
newcomers about not ever being able to beat a handler. Owner-handler friends had me PETRIFIED to step into
the ring when there was a major handler of my breed competing. Then a judge put me up with a 10month old
puppy over two extremely nice adult dogs handled by two MAJOR handlers of my breed and I realized that is
nonsense at just under 5 months of handling experience.
I could sit here and go on for days with examples of situations like these that I have encountered in less than
two years of people who made me want to quit. I could never quit because I love my dogs and I love the
experience of being in the ring with them. I enjoy it, I have so much fun and they LOVE it too! My point is that
we have to allow newcomers the chance to get that feeling, the chance to fall in love with the sport like we all
did. You never know who is there for their first show, or second or third. There is too much drama in the world
today, I am telling you veterans that my generation has no time or tolerance to welcome in a new activity that is
surrounded by drama. If we love our sport and if we want it to be passed on through future generations and not
just die off, then we must change our atmosphere. We must extend kindness and grace to those around us, we
have to have fun ourselves. Make friends with the newcomers and please, PLEASE if they ask for help or
guidance…help them without cruel or smart remarks. Never forget, you had your first show too. What made you
come back? What did you enjoy? What did you appreciate that people did? What did you not enjoy? Did you
ever not want to show again-why? What have people done in the past that have angered you or upset you?
Winter 2016 Page 25
Ask yourself these questions and ponder… what can YOU do that might encourage newcomers and keep this
sport alive? As a breeder, vendor, owner-handler, professional handler, or even as a spectator… How can you
change our sport?
Drew Deaton
Thanks to all of you who supported the Bichon Banter and made my job easier. I look
forward to receiving suggestions, more articles, and pictures and hope to provide you
with an April/May issue, so please send me what you would like to see.
Winter 2016 Page 26
Bichon Frise Club of Canada Inc. Code of Ethics
1. To breed Bichon Frise that conform as closely as possible to the
Canadian Kennel Club Standard for the breed.
2. To breed only from stock that is physically and temperamentally sound
and to refuse stud service to any bitch that is unregisterable or shows
obvious defects.
3. Not to sell or donate Bichons to commercial dog wholesalers, retailers,
laboratories or raffles.
4. Maintain an environment of consistently high standards of health and
care of my dogs.
5. Keep accurate records of stock, breeding’s and pedigrees.
6. I will not knowingly breed any Bichon that has biological defects; hip
dysplasia, slipped stifles, bad temperament, misalignment of jaw,
missing teeth, inherent eye disease, etc.
7. Provide written extended pedigrees, instructional material and
complete health records including a Veterinary Certificate at time of
sale.
8. Guarantee all dogs free of any and all communicable diseases for ten
days after leaving the breeders premises.
9. No puppy leaves the breeder’s premises until at least eight weeks of
age.
10. All puppies will have all necessary inoculations, deworming and
identification prior to going to new owner.
11. All dogs sold (if owner unable to keep possession) are to be returned to
the breeder or placed in a new home approved by the breeder, and the
breeder shall be given first refusal on the dog in question.
12. All pet puppies must be sold with the Canadian Kennel Club Non-
Breeding agreement.
13. Bitches are not to be bred until after one year of age.
14. Unethical practices and complaints will be brought before the Board for
consideration, and if found guilty will result in cancellation of
membership (e.g. refusal to sign litter registrations, non-payment of
stud fees, withholding papers etc.) Official complaints are to be
submitted in writing, as outlined in the by-laws, to the board.
15. All breeding procedures should be in writing between breeders to
protect both parties, and buyers.
